My main issue with this is that where the kick involved is such an 'easy' one for a regular goalkicker (discounting the immense pressure naturally), this type of decider places a far greater strain on players for whom goalkicking is not (and arguably should never have to be) within their skill set. Assuming nobody buckles under pressure, this type of contest will be decided by the non-goalkickers 5 or 6 players down the line.
In football, all players have the reponsibility of kicking the ball accurately... whether to pass, cross or shoot, they all have to know how to control the ball with their feet. The same is not true for rugby. Whilst there is a certain impressiveness seeing a second row knock over a drop goal unexpectedly, or a number 8 catching a ball in his own 22 and delivering a lengthy touch-finder, the majority of players on the pitch will rarely, if ever kick a ball, particularly a place kick.
In my opinion, great players should not be expected to humiliate themselves by performing tasks outside their ordinary role, particularly with so much at stake. Whilst I'm sure that no true fans will begrudge their heroes (especially non-kicking ones) for a miss, it is still unfair to expect these players to do so. A flanker who has tirelessly worked all afternoon to secure ball and slow the opposition attack could then almost singlehandedly lose a game for his team by missing a kick he could never have anticipated taking. Yes these players are paid to play under immense pressure, but let's not make them perform like seals in a circus.
I don't know what the answer is - arm wrestles versus opposite numbers? One on one scrummages for the forwards? Sprint Relays for the backs? Passing accuracy competition for the scrum halves? If we are going to settle games on a sideshow of this nature, then let's at least make it a level playing field.[/b]
